Ati surgical asepsis how to#
Ati surgical asepsis skin#

WHY? A complication of removing surgical sutures is WOUND DEHISCENCE….this is where the surgical site opens up prematurely before wound healing can occur.Time to remove the sutures. FIRST, remove EVERY OTHER suture starting with the 2 nd suture.Clean the surgical site with an antiseptic swab and discard.Open the antiseptic swabs (most have 3 that come in a pack).I prefer to keep them in the tray because there is a chance that once their opened they will leak onto the drape, which will contaminate the field. Then open and DROP the suture remover kit supplies and steri-strips onto the sterile drape along with the antiseptic (you can keep it in the tray if you choose or place them on the drape).

Ati surgical asepsis how to#

Open the sterile drape first (watch the video above to know how to properly open the sterile drape).The sterile gloves and drape should be at the top of the dressing change tray after you open it….carefully grab them and place them down in your work area.Open dressing change tray and set-up supplies!.Doff gloves, perform hand hygiene, and prep supplies! If you can answer YES to any of those questions, notify the physician BEFORE proceeding with the suture removal.ĥ.

Ati surgical asepsis skin#

Does the surgical site look like it is NOT ready to have the sutures removed? Are there open areas around the sutures that look like the skin has NOT “fused” back together?.

Is there infection present (excessive redness, warm to the touch, hard, oozing foul looking drainage or a smell)?.

Perform hand hygiene and don CLEAN gloves to remove the old surgical dressing, if present.Īfter doing this, assess the site and ask yourself?.

suture removal kit, dressing change tray, steri-strips (always follow your hospital’s protocol when removing sutures because some facilities require you to wear sterile gloves….while others require you to just wear clean gloves….this video will demonstrate using sterile gloves.).

However, if ordered, you can offer pain medication prior to removal because the site is still tender since it is a surgical site, if needed. They may feel tugging or pulling while you remove the sutures.

Explain the procedure to the patient, address concerns, and obtain their verbal consent to remove the sutures. Does this hurt the patient? No, not usually.

You must have an order from a doctor before you can remove sutures. In addition, depending on the depth of the wound and location of the sutures, sutures can stay in for as little as 5 days, while others may stay in for 2 weeks. Some sutures are dissolvable, while others are not (hence the types you will be ordered to remove). Now, keep in mind that not all sutures have to be removed. In addition, there are these type of surgical suture patterns you want to be aware of as a nurse: The most common, which will be demonstrated in this article, is the simple interrupted suture.

There are various types of suture patterns used.